Article Figures & Data

Figures

Ryanodine receptors in hair cells. a, Schematic of the efferent synapse and synaptoplasmic cistern. b, RT-PCR for the three RyRs and IP3R reveal that all but RyR2 was found in microdissected samples of OHCs and Dieters' cells. Lanes 1 and 9, 100 bp ladder (arrow at 500 bp). Samples 2-7 (run concurrently as a single gel), Combined OHCs and Deiters' cells, IP3R1, IP3R2, IP3R3, RyR1, RyR2, and RyR3 primers, respectively, plus and minus RT each lane. Sample 8, α9 positive control for OHCs. When OHCs alone were used as template, only RyR1 was found (sample 10), along with the positive α9 control (sample 11). c, A cross section of the adult rat organ of Corti is highlighted to show the position of OHCs and IHCs. The section outline, tunnel of Corti, four OHCs, and one IHC are drawn in d, the same cross section as in c. Black dots are precipitated silver grains attributable to emission from radioactive in situ probe to RyR1. OHCs, but not IHCs, reveal RyR1 in apical turns of the adult rat cochlea.